The only time we can be sure they do no harm is when they are not in session. If you dig into the history of Congress they used to only meet for a few months per year.
The modern, year-long calendar started under FDR and is part of the system of control. It was done to make people believe it’s necessary to always have Congress their deciding how we should be living our lives.
There is another reason to keep CONgress "in session" or gaveled-in. When CONgress is not in session, POTUS can do recess appointments. So if, for example, the AG position is open and the Senate won't approve the POTUS's choice. POTUS could appoint an interim AG on his own during a recess and CONgress can't do anything about it. The appointment only lasts until the end of the CONgressional session.
However - the Senate can hold "pro-forma sessions" where they technically remain in session, with someone there "conducting business". They did this to Trump to keep him from making any recess appoints. Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, and Obama all had recess appointments.
True, but when have the Republicans ever rejected a Democrat President’s choices? I’m not saying it hasn’t happened, but I sure can’t recall it. Maybe a few have been withdrawn without a vote, but has one ever been voted down?
That I don't know. I do know a few of Biden's picks didn't make it and were withdrawn (or they stepped down themselves) like the ATF guy. With RINOs like Grahmnesty, Cornyn, Collins, and Murkowski it would be really hard to vote one of the picks down.
Fair point. I’m about as limited govt as you can possibly be but these are not business as usual circumstances. Let’s flip the script for a moment; assassination attempt was on a Dem and we have Dem controlled House. They would never waste the timing or urgency to investigate and find any nugget of information (to leak) ahead of an election. They would use the scenario to taint their opponent & persuade public opinion. But not the Reps; time for vacation… they’re f’n clueless, spineless weasels.
The only time we can be sure they do no harm is when they are not in session. If you dig into the history of Congress they used to only meet for a few months per year.
The modern, year-long calendar started under FDR and is part of the system of control. It was done to make people believe it’s necessary to always have Congress their deciding how we should be living our lives.
There is another reason to keep CONgress "in session" or gaveled-in. When CONgress is not in session, POTUS can do recess appointments. So if, for example, the AG position is open and the Senate won't approve the POTUS's choice. POTUS could appoint an interim AG on his own during a recess and CONgress can't do anything about it. The appointment only lasts until the end of the CONgressional session.
However - the Senate can hold "pro-forma sessions" where they technically remain in session, with someone there "conducting business". They did this to Trump to keep him from making any recess appoints. Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, and Obama all had recess appointments.
True, but when have the Republicans ever rejected a Democrat President’s choices? I’m not saying it hasn’t happened, but I sure can’t recall it. Maybe a few have been withdrawn without a vote, but has one ever been voted down?
That I don't know. I do know a few of Biden's picks didn't make it and were withdrawn (or they stepped down themselves) like the ATF guy. With RINOs like Grahmnesty, Cornyn, Collins, and Murkowski it would be really hard to vote one of the picks down.
Because D.C. was literally built on a swamp, it wasn't a nice place to be in the summer and they didn't want to be there.
Every year they take August off and in an election year they take more time off in the Fall so they can go home to campaign.
there
and also a comma error
to add on, actually multiple
Thanks. I should proofread before hitting save.
Fair point. I’m about as limited govt as you can possibly be but these are not business as usual circumstances. Let’s flip the script for a moment; assassination attempt was on a Dem and we have Dem controlled House. They would never waste the timing or urgency to investigate and find any nugget of information (to leak) ahead of an election. They would use the scenario to taint their opponent & persuade public opinion. But not the Reps; time for vacation… they’re f’n clueless, spineless weasels.